Boats Electronics News

Raymarine, WATCHIT Collaborate on Collision Prevention

Raymarine announced its collaboration with WATCHIT. As part of the collaboration, WATCHIT's advanced anti-collision technology will be combined with Raymarine's state-of-the-art chartplotters, and Raymarine LightHouse Charts have been designated as the official map supplier for WATCHIT.WATCHIT's integration with Raymarine's Axiom chartplotters offers boaters an unprecedented level of situational awareness and safety on the water, enhancing the capabilities of Raymarine's already robust display systems.

BRIX Marine Launches 11.8M Yacht Tender

BRIX Marine has announced the launch of its latest megayacht tender, the 11.8-meter T/T Kismet.This custom Naiad RHIB was designed for the tender garage on the 122-meter Kismet, recently launched by Lürssen. The 11.8-meter joins multiple other tenders in Kismet’s arsenal, and she stands out as a high-performance vessel that delivers a luxury experience from stem to stern. Powered by twin Yanmar 440HP diesel engines paired with Hamilton Jet HJX 27 waterjets, T/T Kismet reaches speeds of nearly 50 knots. Hamilton’s AVX Express system, including MouseBoat control, makes handling easy.

Telemar Yachting unveils T-Master KIT

Telemar Yachting unveiled the T-Master KIT, designed to enhance the possibilities for digital navigation.Created on the T-Master Touch platform, it features the same touch screen interface and functionality but in a slimmer and more versatile form.The system features a modern and minimalist design, without the traditional support structure. This allows for greater flexibility in installation and use, making it adaptable to multiple vessel sizes.T-Master KIT is available with high-quality touch screens ranging from 24…

ZF Updates Its 'Ramp Assist' Boating App

ZF has launched the latest version of its Ramp Assist app for iOS, introducing several new features designed to improve the boating experience through advanced technology. This update includes significant enhancements aimed at making boat ramp access more efficient and user-friendly.1. Boat Ramp LocatorRamp Assist now includes a Boat Ramp Locator feature that provides access to over 23,000 boat ramps across the United States. This tool offers a bird's eye satellite view of each ramp, aiding in trip planning for boats and a multitude of watercraft including jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards.2.

Meet ‘Super GPS’: XONA Ups the Space Race Ante

With a mission to power the current and next-generation of GPS-enabled products and systems, XONA Space Systems keeps the mantra ‘precision, power and protection’ in all that it does as this 2020-start-up designs, builds and launches its fleet of low earth orbit satellites. We spoke with XONA CEO Brian Manning for his insights on how this could impact the maritime, offshore energy and subsea sectors.The following was excerpted from Maritime Reporter TV’s interview with XONA CEO Brian Manning.

Dockmate Docking Solutions Available on All Maritimo Vessels

Dockmate, manufacturer of wireless remote-control systems for yachts, announced it has been selected by Maritimo Americas as a choice for remote control docking solutions for all Maritimo vessels.Easy to install, the Dockmate remote control system lets captains and crew operate engines, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winches and horns from anywhere on board with a small handheld device. The wireless remote control lets users confidently command the boat’s movement while stepping away from the helm for the best vantage point.

Telemar Opens New Office in Spain

Smart maintenance and remote access technologies provider Telemar is opening an office in Algeciras to better support digital solutions for Telemar and Marlink customers.The Algeciras office will enable Telemar to directly serve customers in the region for the first time, increasing the scope and range of services available with a dedicated team in place to handle client requests in the fifth busiest port in Europe by annual TEU volume. The new facility will also provide solutions such as Smart Maintenance and Smart Data, Telemar's maritime Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution.

Raymarine Standard Fit On New Flagship 2025 Twin Vee GFX-2

Marine electronics company Raymarine announced its standard-fit electronics package selected for all model sizes of Twin Vee’s 2025 GFX-2 flagship series.The next evolution of the Twin Vee GFX line, the GFX-2, will be offered in five lengths ranging in size from 24- to 40-feet in length. The GFX-2 features an all-digital switching backbone and an updated Raymarine electronics system, allowing customers to control their boat via a touchscreen 24-inch Axiom 2 XL chartplotter display.

Orca Expands Chart Coverage in North America

Norwegian marine tech startup Orca announced the expansion of its chart coverage in North America, to cover the Canadian coastline and the Great Lakes.The Canadian updates to the chart coverage will be available to all Orca app users, with immediate integration into Orca’s suite of smart planning and navigation tools. This latest launch will give Orca users freedom to move between the two nations' borders for the first time.Kristian Fallrø, Co-Founder of Orca, said, “Canadian boaters have been asking for us to launch in Canada since the day we announced Orca.

New Marine Radar Training Software Launched

U.K.-based Cambridge Pixel has unveiled a new software package to aid in the instruction and learning of the proper usage of maritime radars.SPx Radar Trainer is designed to make it easier for students to familiarize themselves with radar controls by providing a modern simulation of a typical radar display, supported by chart and 3D environment views. It includes custom scenario creation for instructors and runs in a browser window for ease-of-use.Developed by Cambridge Pixel…

Affordable Nightvision Technology: SIONYX Nightwave

SIONYX last year launched Nightwave, a first-of-its-kind marine camera system built around the brand’s proprietary Black Silicon BSI CMOS sensor. Nightwave allows mariners to navigate safely by easily spotting hazards and debris in moonless starlight without additional illumination. Built to operate in the toughest marine environments, the night vision camera is IP67 waterproof and shock rated. Nightwave integrates to most any vessel's electronics by connecting to major brand MFDs via the analog video output.

Simrad Unveils New Ultrawide Marine Display

Marine electronics and navigation company Simrad Yachting introduced the NSX ULTRAWIDE, said to be the world’s first fully-featured ultrawide marine display. Delivering all the benefits of dual screens in one place, the new NSX ULTRAWIDE is up to 63% wider than the NSX and provides a more streamlined and immersive experience resulting in an elevated dash aesthetic that unlocks new possibilities and a superior charting experience.“With a show-stopping aesthetic and enhanced functionality…

Navico Invests to Boost Manufacturing Capabilities

Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, announced a multimillion-dollar investment in its Lowell, Mich. facility to create two Centers of Excellence in metal fabrication and electrification. The investment is intended to increase quality, capacity and efficiency, as well as improve product manufacturing capabilities, the company said.“Navico Group is committed to being a leader in metal fabrication and electrification for the industries we serve, and this investment is a testament to that” said Brett Dibkey, Navico Group President.

Telemar Yachting Delivers its First Full-Touch Superyacht Bridge

Telemar Yachting, a Marlink Group company, partnered with bridge console designer Pariani Srl to create T-Master Touch. This unique full-touch bridge for superyachts, combining touchscreen technology with flexible bridge ergonomics represents a  shift in modern navigation.T-Master Touch combines workstations/pods, each equipped with large 32-inch 4K touch screen displays which can be built-in or installed standalone, enabling the bridge team to optimise their workflow, replacing the traditional linear console approach.

Raymarine Launches Performance Sailing Solution

Raymarine is launching new products for the performance sailing market: the Alpha Series display, new Smart Wind™ Technology, and performance sailing upgrades to the LightHouse operating system for Axiom chartplotters.According to Raymarine, the combination of electronic charting, next-generation precision wind monitoring and touchscreen tactical displays elevates the awareness of skippers through intuitive, dynamic sailing displays on both the chartplotter and the remote Alpha…

New Product: Robust, Stylish Marine Luminaires

Glamox launched new range of energy-efficient indoor lighting for vessels and offshore installations, with an eye on style.The AL40 LED range of indoor luminaires is specially designed to light the interior of vessels and offshore installations. The luminaires are designed to provide comfortable and glare-free lighting for locations where crew and passengers spend a lot of time. This includes offices, cabin corridors, staircases, crew cabins, control rooms, and the bridge. On an offshore rig…

Raymarine’s Axiom Chartplotters Now Integrated with Rhodan’s Trolling Motors

Raymarine announced today its line of Axiom chartplotters are now completely integrated with Rhodan’s full line of trolling motors. Designed for boats ranging from a small skiff to a 42-foot center console, Rhodan trolling motors range in size from 12v up to 36v in a range of shaft lengths up to 108 inches.“Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro and XL, which were built specifically for the saltwater angler, offers the most extensive and easy-to-use Rhodan trolling motor control available,” said Jamie Dery, Vice President – Americas, Raymarine.

Rolls-Royce Acquires Team Italia

Rolls-Royce has acquired Team Italia/Onyx Marine, an Italian group specializing in yacht bridges and marine automation.Having begun to collaborate on joint development projects in 2019, the two companies now agreed that the best way to realize strategic growth plans would be for Team Italia to become part of Rolls-Royce.Team Italia, established in 2000, designs and develops integrated bridges and marine navigation and automation systems – mainly for Italian yacht builders and shipyards positioned prominently on the global yacht market.With this acquisition…

IEC Telecom Debuts Starlink-Powered LEO-based Solution

IEC Telecom will showcase the benefits of LEO connectivity to the Philippine maritime sector when it takes part in this week’s PhilMarine, an exhibition which gathers key national stakeholders and international specialists.IEC Telecom will showcase the benefits of LEO connectivity to the Philippine maritime sector when it takes part in this week’s PhilMarine, an exhibition that gathers key national stakeholders and international specialists to help draw a roadmap towards achieving the nation’s 2028 transport vision…

FarSounder Receives 8th Patent

FarSounder expanded its IP portfolio with the issuance of its 8th Patent, number 11,609,316. This US patent expands the company’s patent portfolio for its unique sonar system and its 3D processing.The invention provides a sonar system that includes a forward-looking sonar device that operates in an integrated fashion with one or more other sonar devices so that a boater can have a reliable navigation tool. The forward looking sonar can include a transducer array that takes a three-dimensional acoustic reading of the objects and seafloor ahead.

Kymeta Launches Flat Panel Antenna on OneWeb’s LEO Network

Flat panel satellite antenna company Kymeta and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb announced that Kymeta’s electronically steered Peregrine u8 LEO terminal is now commercially available, becoming the first flat panel antenna to serve the maritime market on OneWeb’s LEO network.Kymeta launched its maritime product line in 2017, and its streamlined Peregrine u8 LEO terminal is purpose-built for maritime applications. According to Kymeta, the slim, energy…

Marlink Launches Telemar Yachting

Marlink, the smart network and ICT solutions company, is bringing together its Telemar US, UK and Italy leisure market operations to create Telemar Yachting, to provide a portfolio of managed services to the yachting market.This combination installation and maintenance of safety and navigation equipment coupled with OmniAccess’ connectivity and cyber security solutions for the yachting segment.Telemar Yachting has been created in response to increasing demand from yacht owners and managers for a more holistic ‘single service’ approach…

Mercury Begins Shipping First Avator Electric Outboards

Marine propulsion engine manufacturer Mercury Marine announced the first group of Avator 7.5e electric outboards has shipped to global customers— a milestone in company’s electrification strategy.The 7.5e is the first of Mercury’s five Avator electric propulsion systems to be announced this year. In January, the company officially launched the 7.5e and displayed concepts of Avator 20e and 35e, both of which will be released later in 2023. Two additional electrification product…

Alewijnse Completes Electrical Install for New Superyacht

Maritime electrical and automation solutions integrator Alewijnse said it has completed the electrical installations on board the first two Amels 60s from the new 60-meter Amels Limited Editions design.Its role involved supplying and installing the entire electrical scope for the first Amels 60 COME TOGETHER and part of the electrical scope for the second Amels 60 ENTOURAGE - with the exception of the supply of the AV/IT system on the second yacht. This included the yachts’ state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion systems with peak shaving capability together with their energy storage systems…

Marlink Providing Network Solutions for Quark Expeditions

Marlink has provided high throughput hybrid network solutions for Quark Expeditions’ MV Ultramarine since the start of the 2021 Arctic season. After the first full year with the service, the operater said it found that guests and staff on Ultramarine enjoyed continuous, high-quality connectivity despite the high latitudes and harsh operational environment.While Quark Expeditions has operated a fleet of chartered vessels and icebreakers for more than 30 years, Ultramarine is Quark’s first fully owned newbuild and is the newest ship in its fleet.

GOST Debuts New Low-profile Mini-dome Cameras

Marine security, tracking, monitoring and video surveillance systems manufacturer GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies) announced a new line of low-profile cameras – the GOST Mini-Dome LED 1080P SS.Building on the GOST Mini-Ball 1080P high-definition camera, the new low-profile cameras can be installed vertically or in bulkheads, rather than overhead. The recessed installation is less conspicuous and more subtle, offering vessels a sleeker, unobtrusive look.“We are constantly listening to our customers and trying to develop new solutions that meet their varied and individual needs…

Strategizing Connectivity for Fleet Optimization, Remote Ops

Chris Sepp, Vice President of IT at Atlas Corp. (Seaspan), explains how a strategic approach to connectivity, as recommended by Inmarsat, can help shipping companies to realize fleet-wide optimisation, automation and enable remote operations.Digital technologies are becoming an established feature of modern shipping and are critical to the industry’s future success. Capabilities such as AI-enhanced voyage management and IoT-backed condition-based maintenance can make a significant contribution to the optimization and automation of vessel operations…

Satcom: Intellian Expands XEO Series

Intellian expanded its XEO Series, a Ku/Ka electronically switching dual-band multi-orbit VSAT antennas, with the addition of the X100D and X150D. The XEO Series were first unveiled in March 2022 at the Satellite Show, leading to Intellian’s design of the X100D, available later this month, and the X150D, launching in early Q3 2023.According to the company, the XEO Series are the world’s first commercially available Ka/Ku-band through a single feed, electronically switchable, multi-orbit antennas, making them ideal for customers requiring high-bandwidth, availability and maximum agility.

Viasat, Cobham Satcom announce Collaboration

Viasat and Cobham Satcom announced the companies are collaborating on a new, advanced satellite connectivity solution for the maritime and energy industries in preparation for the launch of Viasat’s next generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3.The connectivity system, which will include a portfolio of groundbreaking antenna systems from Cobham Satcom, is being designed to deliver advanced, high-speed connectivity that will leverage the satellite capacity expected from the ViaSat-3 constellation.

Raymarine, Avikus Ink MOU on Autonomous Leisure Boat

AVIKUS, HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation in-house startup and Raymarine announced signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show to cooperate on the integration of the world’s first autonomous leisure boat solution, the Avikus NeuBoat, into Raymarine’s world-leading navigational products. In addition, the MoU includes a cooperation on exploring the future of autonomous leisure boating and joint development.During the cooperation, the two companies…

Simrad Debuts HALO 2000, HALO 3000 Radars at FLIBS

Simrad Yachting unveiled two of its new radar products this week: the Simrad HALO 2000 and HALO 3000. HALO 2000, starting at $6,399, and HALO 3000, starting at $8,499, both feature higher power pulse compression and improved detection ranges to offer the most powerful Simrad HALO radars on the market. Other key integrations like Bird+ Mode, ZoneTrack and support for Dangerous Target Alerts provide users even more technical and safety benefits. The new HALO radars are on display…

AVIKUS' Autonomous Navigation nears Commercialization

AVIKUS, HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation in-house startup, is nearly ready to bring to market its autonomous navigation solution for the pleasure boat market, and plans demonstrations later this month at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). There the company will introduce and showcase Neuboat, an autonomous phase-2 navigation solution for leisure boats featuring the Avikus Navigation Assistant System (NAS) and Docking Assistant System (DAS).Avikus NAS is…

Marlink Adds SpaceX's Starlink to its Services

Marlink has added SpaceX’s Starlink service to its offerings, a move aimed at strengthening its connectivity solutions portfolio.Marlink and OmniAccess will leverage Starlink – a high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service enabled by a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit – to complement its portfolio of smart network solutions and services globally. Under the agreement, Marlink and OmniAccess will act as global “authorized Starlink integrators” for maritime and enterprise customers.Marlink’s integration of Starlink with existing VSAT…

Intellian Inks SatCom Deal with Speedcast

Satellite communications technology solutions provider Intellian announced a multimillion-dollar, multi-year partnership agreement with satellite communications service provider Speedcast, enabling the companies to collaborate in serving multiple markets with satellite connectivity, including the maritime and energy sectors.As part of the agreement, Intellian will continue to provide equipment to Speedcast as a preferred supplier, ensuring delivery to meet customer needs, despite volatile supply chain constraints.

Marlink Debuts Sealink 60 VSAT Service

Marlink unveiled Sealink 60, a Ku-band VSAT service for smaller merchant, offshore and fishing vessels, designed to provide flexible, regional connectivity to vessels seeking to upgrade from L-band services.“The introduction of Sealink 60 marks a further evolution of Marlink’s VSAT services, since it will exclusively cater for vessels requiring reduced antenna size and maximum flexibility in terms of coverage and throughput,” says Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink.

Brunswick Corporation Establishes Navico Group

Brunswick Corporation announced the formation of Navico Group, which will replace its current Advanced Systems Group (ASG). Navico Group will continue to be led by Brett Dibkey and represents a complete organizational integration between the legacy ASG business with two key acquisitions that were completed in late 2021 – Navico and RELiON Battery LLC.The newly formed Navico Group will be comprised of numerous brands that serve the marine, RV, specialty vehicle, and industrial markets.

Matthew Zimmerman Takes the Helm at FarSounder

FarSounder said that Matthew Zimmerman is taking the helm as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).Former CEO, Cheryl M. Zimmerman continues her role as Chairman of the Board, as well as taking on the position of Market Development Strategist.

Ingenity Partners with Lumitec on the Fully Electric 23E

Ingenity, a division of Watershed Innovation, founded by Correct Craft in 2018 to develop and incubate new technologies, is partnering with Lumitec to supply the primary lighting for its fully electric 23E production model.Launched at this year’s Miami International Boat Show and winner of an innovation award the Ingenity 23 Electric is a zero emissions, 100% fully electric day boat. Based on Ingenity’s patent-pending modular “skateboard” platform the 23E uses forward-facing sterndrive propulsion to optimize safety, performance, and low-speed maneuverability.

NAVTOR to Integrate Witherbys Pulications into NavStation

Witherbys publications will be made available on NAVTOR’s NavStation digital chart table software for the very first time after a new agreement.NavStation, which is designed to seamlessly gathers voyage data and information on a single platform, will now offer the Witherby Connect portfolio of highly respected publications covering everything from passage planning and operational training, through to fleet security and ballast water management. The extensive digital library can now be instantly accessed through NavStation’s e-Publication Reader module.

AST Introduces FlexMaritime VSAT

Applied Satellite Technology (AST) Ltd announced it is now offering Intelsat’s FlexMaritime service, a reliable, secure, high-speed global connectivity solution. Designed specifically for global commercial maritime trade routes, the service also supports multiple antenna sizes and new service options to meet the growing global bandwidth needs of fishing, leisure and workboats.Intelsat FlexMaritime leverages Intelsat’s global fleet of multi-layered, high-throughput satellites (HTS)…

Raymarine YachtSense Ecosystem: A 'Smart Home' Experience on the Water

Raymarine unveiled its YachtSense Ecosystem, an onboard and remote monitoring solution designed to give boaters effortless control of their Raymarine equipment and vessel systems from their mobile device. The YachtSense Ecosystem begins with the new Raymarine mobile app, a digital companion for Raymarine owners designed to provide simple onboard and off-boat integration capabilities. Enabling the YachtSense Ecosystem is the new YachtSense Link marine mobile router. YachtSense Link is an innovative device designed to keep boaters connected through 4G/LTE broadband…

Tech File: Inside the Furuno ‘Future Bridge’

With autonomous navigation and remote electronics management, Furuno is on a digital transformation journey to help revolutionize the maritime industry. Matt Wood, National Sales Manager, Furuno USA takes a deeper dive.In 1938, Kiyotaka Furuno founded Furuno Electric Shokai Ltd., the predecessor of Furuno Electric Company. Today Furuno is best known as a radar and navigation company with nearly 90 percent of its business in the maritime sector. “We are still principally a family-owned…

Marlink and SES Ink O3b mPOWER Deal

Marlink and SES have signed a multi-year, multi-million-euro deal enabling Marlink’s customers to access SES’s next-generation medium earth orbit constellation (MEO) -- O3b mPOWER.Under the agreement, Marlink will offer the high-throughput and low-latency O3b mPOWER dedicated connectivity services to its customers with data-intensive requirements. These include its humanitarian, energy, enterprise, mining, government, maritime and OmniAccess’ superyacht customers who require robust…

Raymarine and CMOR help Anglers, Divers Discover More

The best diving and bottom-fishing spots are the ones that don’t show up on paper or digital charts and aren’t marked on commercially available fishing maps. They’re the forgotten wrecks, the isolated reefs, the ledges hidden between the contour lines — the kinds of places that take hundreds of hours on the water and countless dollars in fuel to find.CMOR Mapping’s chartplotter-compatible bathymetry clearly reveals those spots. With resolution as high as one meter (each pixel represents a single square meter of bottom) and coverage of the entire bottom…

Blue Guard Innovations Names Divjak Product Manager

Boat monitoring and control solutions provider Blue Guard Innovations (BGI) announced that David Divjak joined the company as product manager. In this role, he will be responsible for existing and new product definitions and feature enhancements to our maritime IoT remote monitoring product line. He will support marketing and sales efforts to deliver remote boat monitoring products to end-users and B2B customers.“Leveraging IoT connectivity to remotely monitor the systems of a boat is the future of the marine industry,” Divjak said.

The Best of 2021: SeaBlazeX2 LED Underwater Lights

As an editor of commercial marine magazines plus a recreational boater for nearly three decades, I have heard more than my fair share of horror stories in regards to procuring new and replacement products based solely on price. When it comes to drilling holes below the waterline on my personal boat, I am particularly selective.When time came to add some decorative underwater lighting to my 2009 Chapparal 350 Signature, based on recommendations from friends and colleagues, I opted for Lumitec’s SeaBlazeX2 full-color Spectrum lights…

Inmarsat Launches I-6 F1, Latest Tech Communication Satellite

With a rapid evolution of communication connectitivity need, Inmarsat launched I-6 F1, the first of seven new Inmarsat satellites to be launched by 2024, a key piece of the satcom giant's platform to deliver enhanced ELERA (L-band) and Global Xpress (Ka-band) for Indo-Pacific.Inmarsat confirmed the successful launch of its first Inmarsat-6 satellite (I-6 F1) by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) from the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center in Japan.The Inmarsat-6s (I-6) are Inmarsat’s first ever hybrid L- and Ka-band satellites…

Tech File: Wärtsilä Voyage Bridge Tech for National Geographic Resolution

Wärtsilä Voyage delivered its integrated bridge and navigation solution for polar cruise vessel National Geographic Resolution. Built at Ulstein Verft shipyard, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. took delivery of the National Geographic Resolution in September 2021. Along with its sister ship National Geographic Endurance, this is the second vessel in a series of two explorer vessels to have Ulstein signature X-BOW, the inverted bow concept combined with Wärtsilä’s integrated…

Viasat Buys Inmarsat for $7.3 Billion

Viasat agreed to buy British rival Inmarsat on Monday in a $7.3 billion deal to broaden the U.S. based company’s satellite and land-based communications services.The takeover of London-based Inmarsat comes just two years after it was taken private in a $3.4 billion deal by a consortium of British-based Apax partners, U.S.-based Warburg Pincus and two Canadian pension funds.While Viasat offers connectivity and communications services to residential, aviation and defense customers in North America…

Radio Holland and Furuno Extend Distributorship Agreements

Furuno and Radio Holland prolonged their partnership with distributorship agreements. The senior management of both companies signed the agreements during Europort in Rotterdam. The companies have been working together in the global maritime market for more than 58 years.Radio Holland is the distributor for Furuno in The Netherlands, UAE, Egypt and South Africa. In addition, Radio Holland is a dealer of Furuno in USA, Panama, Canada, Belgium, Portugal, Curaçao, Trinidad & Tobago…

The Satcom ‘Highway’ will Enable Maritime Digitalization & IoT Solutions

Global maritime communications powerhouse Inmarsat earlier this year announced a pair of new tech offerings – ORCHESTRA and ELERA – that are touted as ‘the communications network of the future.’ We caught up with Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Maritime, for additional insights on how these services will power the future of maritime IoT.As digitalization and IoT continues to drive innovation across the maritime sector, satellite communication will serve as the conduit, and smaller, faster and cheaper is the mantra.

Intellian, Inmarsat Launch New FleetBroadband Terminals

Intellian received type approval from Inmarsat for its new FB250 and Fleet One L-band terminals, making it one of the first to market with user terminals for operation on Inmarsat’s catalyst L-band network, ELERA. The FB250 is a multi-functional terminal, either acting as a stand-alone primary communications terminal or combining with Intellian’s market-leading GX60NX and GX100NX to create the perfect Fleet Xpress (FX) solution. The Fleet One terminal is designed to provide an easy-to-install…

Marlink Delivers Connectivity to PONANT Polar Expedition Ship

Marlink is supporting PONANT’s first polar exploration ship Le Commandant Charcot, with data and voice connectivity, aiming to create a seamless communication experience for guests.Le Commandant Charcot became the first vessel of her kind to reach the geographic North Pole on September 6, 2021, during sea trials in preparation for her maiden voyage later this year. Marlink provides a hybrid network solution, combining Sealink dual C- and Ku-band VSAT connectivity, GEO and LEO L-band connectivity and a high-data volume LEO store & forward capability.

eLog: Raytheon Anschütz Launches Electronic Logbook

Raytheon Anschütz, a business of Raytheon Technologies, has launched an electronic logbook for ships. Dubbed eLog, it is designed to provide secure, quality logbook data and is positioned by the company as a step toward paperless shipping and improved efficiency of onboard processes.Featuring automatic data entry from navigation systems such as the automatic identification system (AIS) or the integrated navigation system (INS), at defined intervals, eLog also enables data input by crews via laptop or mobile devices…

Raymarine Introduces YachtSense to the North American Market

Raymarine YachtSense is an advanced digital control system affording total command and complete awareness of a vessel's electrical systems. Its modular nature redefines the future of vessel automation for boat builders and technical installers. Engineered for reliability, flexibility, and ease-of-use, YachtSense offers scalable, customizable, and failsafe marine automation through intuitive control of onboard systems via any Raymarine Axiom multifunction display.Announced late last year…

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Partner on Autonomous Ship Control Solutions

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Robotics announced they are working together to deliver remote command, autonomous control and intelligent crew support systems to the marine market.As part of this agreement, Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems and Sea Machines, the developer of remote-vessel command and autonomous control systems, will join forces on the development and sale of fully and semi-autonomous vessel control systems.Michael Johnson, CEO and founder of Sea Machines, said…

GPLink Launches Compact Remote Boat Tracker

North Carolina-based GPLink Remote Monitor-ing and Security has added to their innovative tracking technology solutions by shrinking the footprint and simplifying the installation of their devices. BoatWatch by GPLink is a remote tracker designed specifically for smaller vessels. The simple design and integrated battery make for a flexible but powerful tool for tracking assets of all types.The BoatWatch device is suited for either indoor or outdoor use and is equipped with rugged commercial housing.

Raytheon Anschütz Debuts New ECDIS Features

Raytheon Anschütz has released a range of new features for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) to improve specialized mission capabilities such as tactical operation and collaboration.The so-called "Plus Features" include a variety of navigational aids and overlays, which are typically required for coast guard or naval ships, offshore and research ships and megayachts.Raytheon Anschütz , a business of Raytheon Technologies, said other key features include:Search and rescue (SAR) operations based on IMO (International Maritime Organization) IAMSAR Manual Volume III…

Brunswick to Acquire Navico for $1B

Brunswick Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Navico for $1.05 billion, bringing to Brunswick's Advanced Systems Group (ASG) well-known marine electronics brands such as Lowrance, Simrad, B&G and C-MAP."The acquisition of Navico and its award-winning brands will immediately accelerate Brunswick’s ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification and Shared-Access) strategy, and support our vision to deliver distinctive new products and technology-enabled experiences,” said Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO.

Joystick Control System Makes Boating a Breeze

With its intuitive control and dynamic positioning capabilities, the Marex 3D Joystick system offers boaters a truly stress-free experience on the water.Harbor docking and undocking can be a challenge—even for experienced skippers. In narrow or confined spaces, the boater must operate the steering and main and auxiliary drives simultaneously, all while contending with the wind and waves. Now, a new joystick system simplifies this process, enabling boaters to perform these various operations with only one hand.

Customized Hybrid Drives Make Waves in Yachting and Passenger Service

Ecologically friendly, customized hybrid drives and ship control systems are gaining popularity with inland-water vessels.Once mostly found powering mega- and superyachts, hybrid drives are now finding their way onto commercial and private yachts from 33’ to 80’. The attraction is due to the hybrid drive’s sustainability. The combination of diesel and electric motors uses less fuel than a strictly gasoline motor without sacrificing performance. For instance, a megayacht that holds…

'RoboRat' Takes to the Water for 'Intelligent' Autopilot Test

Robosys Automation, developers of Voyager autonomous navigation systems, built in close collaboration with Ring Powercraft, Ambex Marine and DTC, Domo Tactical Communications have put the 'RoboRat' on trial in the Solent area, a trial showcasing Robosys’ latest intelligent autopilot software for commercial and recreational vessels and demonstrations for a multitude of applications are being scheduled throughout the summer. The ‘RoboRat’, designed for inshore reconnaissance/ survey…

JRC/Alphatron Marine Unveils New Autopilot System

JRC/Alphatron Marine announced the launch of a new autopilot system engineered to make vessels safer and more efficient.The adaptable AlphaPilot MFS-VR uses speed and draft information and it is suitable for multiple vessel types, including workboats, fast crew tender vessels, fishing boats, tugs, pleasure craft and more. As a successor to the AlphaSeaPilot MFC and MFA system, this new pilot can be used to retrofit and previous models or any other autopilot.The new MFS-VR is a speed adaptive, type approved and wheelmarked autopilot system.

FarSounder Turns 20

This year marks two decades that FarSounder has been dedicated to developing its unique 3D Forward Looking Sonar technology (3D FLS). Back in 2001, the company's founders saw a need for a solution to answer the question of what is in front of my vessel underwater right now. This real world issue has since been mitigated with the innovative Argos navigation sonar systems.“These 20 years have been a fascinating journey. We started by listening to the marketplace, focusing on delivering a high-quality product and providing superior customer service.

Teledyne Acquires FLIR

Industrial conglomerate Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) said it has completed its acquisition of thermal imaging cameras and sensors company FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLIR). FLIR will now be included in Teledyne’s Digital Imaging segment and operate under the name Teledyne FLIR.Under the terms of the cash-and-stock deal announced in January, FLIR stockholders received $28.00 per share in cash and 0.0718 shares of Teledyne common stock for each FLIR share, which implies a total purchase price of approximately $57.40 per FLIR share based on Teledyne’s closing price on May 13.

Dockmate Unveils New Wireless Remote Control Hardware

Dockmate, manufacturer of wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today its next generation of receivers that are built with advanced hardware and communication features.The new Dockmate receiver includes a modernized look and rugged design that is fully compatible with all electronic engine and thruster controls. The receiver is made completely of aluminum, waterproof to IP67 rating and measures a mere 9-inches by 8-inches by 3-inches. Additionally, installation is made easier with four newly-incorporated outside mounting slots…

Intelsat Adds Compact FlexMaritime 45cm Antenna Class

Satellite communications services provider Intelsat on Wednesday released a smaller antenna class for its FlexMaritime high-throughput satellite (HTS) service geared for leisure, fishing and commercial maritime vessels globally.The new maritime mobility solution enabled by the 45cm antenna is designed to bring a new level of broadband connectivity performance and affordability for fishing, leisure, tugs and other workboats, as well as smaller or coastal merchant ships, Intelsat said.Small enough to hand carry aboard vessels…

Caterpillar Marine Launches Gen II Displays

Caterpillar Marine has unveiled its second-generation Cat Marine Displays (CMD) used for monitoring all engine platforms, supporting different vessel applications for professional maritime use.The three CMD variants—Cat CMD5 (5” display), CMD8 (8” display), and CMD13 (13.3” display)—designed to provide operators easy access to current operating data and alarms for engines. The new displays are type-approved and environmentally sealed to be waterproof for a wide range of temperature operations.

C-MAP Launches New High-res Charts

Digital marine cartography and cloud-based mapping cmpany C-MAP announced the launch of new high-detail C-MAP DISCOVER and C-MAP REVEAL charts for Lowrance, Simrad and B&G chartplotters.The DISCOVER and REVEAL charts include new features like Custom Depth Shading, Shaded Relief for inland waters, subscription-free Easy Routing and more. The charts replace Insight PRO, Lake Insight HD, Precision Contour HD, MAX-N and MAX-N+ charts in the C-MAP line-up, greatly simplifying its chart portfolio.C-MAP DISCOVER Whether cruising…

Vesper Marine Announces Cortex Update

Marine electronics manufacturer Vesper Marine announced new features for existing and new Cortex owners with the upcoming release of an automatic software update – version 1.5.Designed to be future-proof, Cortex is built on a feature-rich and extremely powerful platform that will grow with new capabilities. Software updates are installed via the Cortex Onboard app and the latest version includes Directional Voice Alerts, Boat Network, Auto Orientation and an easy-to-use Setup Walkthrough.“When we created Cortex, we didn’t hold back,” said Brady Cox, CEO, Vesper Marine.

NOAA Begins Transition Exclusively to Electronic Navigation Charts

NOAA will begin to implement its sunset plan for paper nautical charts this month, starting with the current paper chart 18665 of Lake Tahoe. After August, NOAA’s electronic navigational chart will be the only NOAA nautical chart of the area.This is the first traditional paper chart to be fully supplanted by an electronic chart as part of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey Raster Sunset Plan, which includes a new process to notify mariners of the transition of individual paper charts to electronic charts.

New Compact VSAT from Intellian

Intellian announced the v45C, the smallest antenna the company has yet developed for the maritime satellite communications market. The C in the product name represents its compact form factor: this new 45cm unit will bring VSAT to new markets where there is limited space available for communications equipment, such as workboats, leisure craft, fishing boats, small commercial and government vessels.Intellian's recent launches have focused on enhancing user experience and capabilities with smaller VSAT solutions; first with the 60cm v60E antenna launched last year, and now the v45C.

Dockmate Upgrades Its Wireless Remote Control System

Dockmate, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today its next generation remote control transmitters and an all-new mounting option with a custom-designed fixed-mount, wireless charging Cradle.Key innovations in the upgraded hardware are an easier-to-use interface for the TWIN+ touch pad remote control and added wireless charging capability. The next generation of Dockmate remotes also gain the advanced functionality of a new vibration response…

Yacht Tech: New Features for Dockmate Wireless Remote Control System

Dockmate announced its next-gen remote control transmitters and an all-new mounting option with a custom-designed fixed-mount, wireless charging Cradle.According to the manufacturere, key advances in the upgraded hardware are an easier-to-use interface for the TWIN+ touch pad remote control and added wireless charging capability. The next generation of Dockmate remotes also gain the advanced functionality of a new vibration response, which means that they now have three types of feedback: visual (LEDs)…

Inmarsat Milestones: 10k Ships with Fleet Express Installed, 'Fleet Data Academy' Launched

Ship data consumption is booming, and as digitalization and data trends increasingly drive the maritime world, Inmarsat celebrated a pair of milestones, hitting the 10,000 vessel mark on Fleet Xpress installations and launching its "Fleet Data Academy."Traffic DoublesAccording to Inmarsat, the growth in Fleet Xpress now includes the world’s leading container ship and tanker owners, such as MOL, K-Line and Hapag-Lloyd, offshore support giants like Bourbon, Tidewater and Maersk Supply, as well as growing numbers of yachts, passenger ships and fishing boats.

Acoustic Tech Used to prep for America's Cup

INEOS TEAM UK needed accurate measurements of speed through water while training for the America’s Cup in waters with complex current flows. How did Nortek’s acoustic Doppler instrumentation meet their stringent demands for high performance?INEOS TEAM UK was formed to challenge for the 36th America’s Cup, to be held in New Zealand in 2021. They will compete in their new AC75 yacht named Britannia, a foiling monohull that flies over water on T-foils at speeds up to or exceeding 50 knots.The team represent the Royal Yacht Squadron…

Raytheon Anschütz Debuts 'Plug and Play' ECDIS

Raytheon Anschütz launched a new ECDIS in January 2021, the ECDIS NX Compact, which is a preconfigured system of a 24-inch panel-pc and the ECDIS NX software that is designed to make installation and operation easier and safer. Optimized for ECDIS retrofits, the panel-pc is equipped with interfaces for Ethernet and IEC 61161-1 (NMEA). With a software installation wizard and selectable standard configurations for newbuilding and retrofit installations, the operating system and the ECDIS software install semi-automatically…

SATCOM: Intellian Antennas get type approval from Telenor

Intellian announed that two of its  antenna systems, the v60Ka 2 and v100NX Ka, have gained type approval from Telenor Satellite for use on their THOR 7 Ka-band GEO satellite network. This means that the systems are now officially certified to take their place in service alongside Intellian’s v85NX, the first 85cm antenna to receive type approval on the network.The Intellian v100NX Ka is "future-proofed" according to the manufacturer, with a specially-tuned radome and reflector in anticipation of forthcoming 2.5GHz wideband Ka network services.

GOST Debuts New Satellite Tracking Antennas

Marine security, tracking, monitoring and video surveillance systems provider GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies) announced new antennas offering greater performance for its line of vessel tracking systems – the GOST IDP Series.Inmarsat Data Pro (IDP) is the next generation of communication satellites that have been fully operational for several years. The new GOST IDP Series supports a wide range of enhanced speed, security and location-based machine-to-machine (M2M) services.